Course Overview

About This Course

Our Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge, skills and ethical understanding required to address the evolving challenges of the digital landscape. This course provides a strong foundational knowledge in technical Cyber Security knowledge combined with Cyber Security policy and governance. This Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security course focusses on a range of key industry-relevant areas in which you will develop knowledge and expertise about system security and digital forensics, Cyber Policy & Governance and ethical hacking & defence. The graduate diploma will equip students wanting to take their existing information technology qualification to the next level, offering the necessary knowledge and skills within the governance and technical field within cyber security.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

$24,720 per year full-time (1 year) or $12,360 per year part-time (2 years)

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic and International Students:

A relevant AQF Level 5 qualification completed within the last 6 years plus a minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience; OR
A Bachelor's degree completed within the last 6 years in a relevant discipline (Computer Science, IT, Information Systems, Business Data Analytics, Software Engineering, Cyber Security or comparable); OR
A minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience

English Language Requirements (for international students or applicants whose prior study was not conducted in English):

PTE: minimum overall score of 58, with a minimum of 58 in each skill area
Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall (no individual band less than 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 79 overall (19 reading, 20 listening, 20 speaking, 24 writing)
OET: pass at "B" level in each of the four components

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Cyber Security Analyst
Cyber Security Architect
Cyber Security Manager
Forensic Computer Analyst
Cyber Risk and Governance Consultant
Cyber Security Policy Officer
Incident Response Manager
Security and Compliance Auditor

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ACS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units9 units

CYB801

Cyber Security Risk and Incident Management

Cyber security incidents are continually increasing in sophistication and prevalence. This unit prepares students for incident detection and response within an organisation and the application of incident management practices to address a variety of cyber security incidents. It also guides students in communicating incident related aspects during cyber security incidents. The practical nature of this unit will ensure students are job-ready and competitive in the industry.

CYB802

Cyber Security Law and Ethics

This unit provides students with advanced practical skills of ethical hacking to penetrate secure systems with the aim to uncover vulnerabilities for defence purposes. This unit particularly focuses on network-enabled services and technologies. Students will learn techniques for evaluating organisational readiness, the security of network configuration and to defend against network-based threats.

CYB803

Information and Network Security

This unit focuses on the effective deployment, utilisation and monitoring of both a wired and wireless network. Students will identify, analyse and design effective cyber security network designs. Students will also learn the intricacies involved in reporting and disseminating innovative and sustainable design solutions.

CYB804

Applied Project

This unit offers the opportunity to apply knowledge in either a Technical or Governance context. Students can use a range of hardware and/or software tools to demonstrate comprehension in an organisational setting. This applied learning unit enables students to build on foundational knowledge.

CYB805

Cyber Security Policy and Governance

This unit examines cyber security governance and public policy. Students will explore cyber security jurisdiction, cybercrime, cyberterrorism, the invasion of privacy, law enforcement and legal breaches. An important aspect of the unit is the development of communication skills essential for good cyber security governance in contemporary organisations.

CYB806

Penetration Testing and Defence

This unit provides students with an opportunity to explore national and international cyber security standards, regulations, law and ethical principles. Students will learn how to approach the challenge of ethical dilemmas that occur in cyber security. The question of standards, regulations, law, ethics and morality is applied to cyber security and the use of technology more generally. Students will learn to navigate various principles and codes of conduct that apply in the virtual world of cyber security.

CYB807

Digital Forensics

This unit introduces students to digital forensic tools, techniques and methods used to recover and examine digital evidence. Students will explore the preservation, identification and analysis of digital evidence using forensic techniques. Students will apply digital forensic tools to gather evidence in accordance with professional standards.

CYB808

Operational Technology

This unit enables students to gain the knowledge required within organisations to drive and deliver an uplift in cyber security maturity for the Operational Technology (OT) function in alignment with cyber security regulations and standards. Students will gain experience in cyber security controls and platforms and architecture standards within industrial control/operational technology environments.

CYB905

Cyber Project 1 and 2

Applied Industry cyber security project 1: (a) investigate cyber security information to develop and initiate a concept, (b) develop and present a cyber security project plan. Applied Industry cyber security project 2: (a) design and execute the identified cyber security project, (b) monitor the performance of the project and propose continuous improvement, (c) close and critically reflect on the projects.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security cost?

For domestic students, the annual indicative fee for full-time study is $24,720, or $12,360 per year for part-time study. For international students, the annual indicative fee is $30,000. Fees will vary based on selected units and study load. FEE-HELP assistance is available for all units of study in this course.

Is there a scholarship available for this course?

Yes, TAFE Queensland offers Academic Scholarships worth up to $3,000. You can save up to $750 per unit in your first semester. Eligible students will automatically receive the scholarship upon successful enrolment — no additional applications are required (T&Cs apply).

Can I progress to a Master's degree after completing this Graduate Diploma?

Yes. On completion of this course, you can fast track your way into the Master of Cyber Security (Advanced).

What practical facilities are available for students in this course?

Students will be immersed in a world-class Cyber Security Training Operation Centre which comprises attack and defence rooms, monitoring rooms for hacking/triaging web data and data centres to incorporate IT infrastructure. There is also a LEGO City simulated space that allows students to attack and defend city infrastructure, simulating the impact of a real cyber attack, using the latest equipment and technology under the guidance of industry-experienced educators.

What are the study format options for domestic students?

Domestic students can study online with on campus practical training at either Coomera (Gold Coast) or South Bank (Greater Brisbane). The course is 80% online and 20% on campus. Full-time students study 4 nights per week over 1 year, while part-time students study 2 nights per week over 2 years. Classes are teacher-led and scheduled, with virtual classes delivered via Zoom.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $70,000 to $95,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $95,000 to $130,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $130,000 to $165,000 per year

Career Paths

Cybersecurity AnalystPenetration Tester / Ethical HackerSecurity Operations Centre (SOC) AnalystDigital Forensics InvestigatorInformation Security Manager

Key Skills

Network security architecture and configurationEthical hacking and penetration testingDigital forensics and cybercrime investigationThreat intelligence analysis and risk assessmentIncident response and business continuity planning

Full Course Overview

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